Amber L. Pearson

Amber L. Pearson is an Associate Professor in the Department of Geography, Environment and Spatial Sciences at Michigan State University (MSU), and co-Director of the Space, Health and Community (SHAC) Lab. She holds an adjunct appointment in the University of Otago’s Department of Public Health in New Zealand. Her research focuses on geospatial analysis of neighborhood environments and their impact on health equity, particularly in contexts of socioeconomic adversity. Pearson completed her Ph.D. in Geography and M.P.H. in Global Health at the University of Washington, followed by postdoctoral training at the University of Canterbury and a Research Fellowship at the University of Otago.

Her work explores how built, social, and physical environments influence health outcomes, including cancer prevention, mental health, and household water insecurity. Key areas include evaluating policy interventions such as food advertising bans and park renovations, as well as analyzing the role of greenspaces in marginalized communities. She has led projects like the Study of Active Neighborhoods in Detroit (StAND), assessing park restoration’s health benefits, and co-developed the Household Water Insecurity Experiences (HWISE) Scale.

Recent articles emphasize interdisciplinary approaches, linking geospatial data to health behaviors and addressing systemic inequities. Her research highlights how water sharing practices, neighborhood disorder, and greenspace access intersect with health disparities. Collaborations with communities and institutions globally underscore her commitment to applied public health solutions.